A record-breaking Harry Potter exhibit from London just opened in N.Y.C., and take our galleons already
For those who still haven’t gotten around to reading Hogwarts: A History, you’re finally in luck, because a new exhibit at the New York Historical Society is giving fans an in-depth look into the celebrated wizarding institution and its storied history.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in the United States twenty whole years ago, introducing American audiences to the now-legendary 11-year-old wizard. And the new exhibit, Harry Potter: A History of Magic—which opens to the public today, October 5th—offers an exploration of the sprawling magical world. The exhibit comes to New York after a record-breaking run at the British Museum late last year.
A History of Magic features a number of sketches and notes from Rowling herself, including a rough map of Hogwarts.
Additionally, the exhibit features a number of real-life rare artifacts that inspired Rowling while she wrote the series, like the tombstone of Nicholas Flamel, the noted 14th century French bookseller whose rumored life as a secret alchemist was woven into the novels. Also part of the exhibit is a real broomstick belonging to a 20th century witch, which was loaned to the exhibit by the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle in the U.K.
According to Untapped Cities, the structure of the exhibitis based on classes taught at Hogwarts. Rooms dedicated to various magical courses—including Defense Against the Dark Arts, Divination, Astronomy, Herbology, Charms, Potions, and of course, Care of Magical Creatures—are filled with artifacts that reflect each subject.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic is set to run through January 27, 2019 at the New York Historical Society, and you can purchase tickets here.
